Our review

Westpac’s credit card designers were certainly at the top of their game when they came up with the Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card Online Only Offer, which neatly packages most of the features that any credit card user could ask for, even though it comes with the usual hefty fee for a black credit card (discounted, however, in the first year). If you choose this card, you’ll want to hang around for at least a year to make the most of the multiple benefits, including choice of rewards, high points earning rates coupled with substantial bonus points, and a suite of complimentary benefits.

Qantas or Altitude points? Take your pick.

Qantas frequent flyers can choose to earn QFF points, while anyone can opt for Westpac Altitude Rewards and redeem points for a range of consumer products, entertainment and travel, financial services and shopping gift cards, or even put them towards the purchase price of a new Holden. While you usually get a far greater dollar value from QFF points, Altitude points have the advantage of offering a larger range of redemption options, including converting them to points with Altitude’s partner airlines, which include Virgin Australia, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific.

Your points choice is not set in concrete, because you can switch between the two rewards programs as often as you like. Just remember to allow a few days for the change to be processed, and bear in mind that the points already earned cannot be transferred between programs.

You can also set up auto-redemption for Virgin Australia Velocity points, automatically receiving one Velocity point in exchange for every two Altitude points you earn.

Westpac’s highest points earning rate, uncapped

Here are the points earning rates:

*0.625 pts per $1 spent * or 1.25 pts per $1 spent per dollar spent

While the Qantas points earn rate is not as high as that of some competing cards, it does have the advantage of being unrestricted by any points cap or threshold. Earn as many Qantas or Altitude points as you like, every month.

'Golden hello’ bonus points

Effectively a sign-up reward, a whopping 80,000 points (QFF or Altitude, depending on your initial reward choice) will be credited to your account, as long as you spend a minimum of $5,000 in 90 days of account approval. That’s $1,000 per month, an achievable target for most people considering a black-tier credit card.

To give you an idea of what this is worth, 80,000 points will buy you around $285 worth of retail gift cards delivered electronically, while 60,000 QFF points is enough for a one-way economy flight to Europe or New York. Convert the Altitude points to Velocity, and the resulting 30,000 points could be used for almost four economy flights between Sydney and Melbourne (31,200 points).

First year annual fee reduction

Although the ongoing annual fee for this card is a high $395 p.a. in the first year of holding the card you will pay just $250 p.a. significantly reducing the cost of trying out the card to see if it is a good fit for you.

Almost every conceivable complementary benefit

This is the area where, on top of the high points earning rate, the card justifies its $395 p.a. annual fee after the first year. (Note that you can get an additional card free of charge, unlike similar cards which charge around $65 for every extra cardholder.)

The extensive, money-saving complementary benefits include:

Multi-trip overseas travel insurance for trips lasting up to six months, saving you at least $750 a year for a family policy. Activate the cover by using the card for at least $500 of each trip’s prepaid expenses.

Purchase security insurance, providing four months of loss, theft or accidental damage cover against goods purchased with the card (better than competing cards, which limit the cover to three months).

Transport accident cover, providing cash compensation in the event of a serious accident sustained on public transport or a commercial airline .

Two free Qantas or Priority Pass airport lounge passes, every year.

Westpac’s 24/7 concierge service for assistance with travel, entertainment and restaurant information, recommendations and bookings. There’s also a Black Card Concierge app.

Waived QFF joining fee for the primary cardholder, if not already a member.

Altitude Black Card Priority Service telephone line

That’s quite a list, and it not only matches but in many cases exceeds the benefits offered with other black cards.

Interest rates

Anyone interested in a top-of-the-range card like this is unlikely to be concerned by the card’s interest rates, since they probably plan to pay off their purchase balance in full every month. But for the record, the purchases interest rate is 20.24% p.a. while the cash advance interest rate is slightly higher at 20.74% p.a.

Competing black cards

If you’re in the market for a black card, you’ll need to compare Westpac’s offerings with ANZ Rewards Black and ANZ Frequent Flyer Black cards, as well as the Citi Prestige card.

Westpac Altitude Black is designed for . . .

. . . someone who wants it all and can afford to pay for it, but still expects top value per dollar spent: a choice of Altitude Rewards or QFF points, a high points earning rate, bonus points, airport lounges passes and free insurance cover that’s better in many respects than the cover provided by competing cards.

User reviews

4.1 out of 5.0 based on 42 reviews93% of reviewers would recommend this card

Rates and fees

Rewards

Customer service

Convenience

Trust

Reviews from users

Great rewards and service

Reviewed and recommended by Greg on 26 Apr 2017

This is a very good card with great rewards.

They give very good service with enquiries answered in Australia. Their website is very good and easy to use. They are there to help 24/7, and do help if you need them.

They give reward points quickly and have great rewards.

Happy with service

Reviewed and recommended by Maureen on 21 Sep 2016

We try to use our credit card for more purchases, for security and convenience and so we can budget our expenses each month.

The interest we try not to use so we attempt to pay the full balance each month, to our advantage.

We’re happy with statements and services from Westpac in relations to this card.

A solid offering with good rewards and insurance

Reviewed and recommended by Sarah on 12 Dec 2016

It’s a good card to have if you have a Premier Advantage Home Loan package with Westpac, as the fees are already paid for in the Advantage Package fees.

It’s a reasonable offering for complimentary travel insurance. Rewards are reasonable, although you may wish to switch to Velocity Membership points when there is a promotional period on.

More points with the AmEx card

Reviewed and recommended by David on 11 Oct 2016

I tend to use the American Express card more than the MasterCard because of the accumulation of points — not that I have ever redeemed any points, but I have accumulated a great many in the hope of one day redeeming them.

Most of my purchases are made online, so the card is convenient. I don’t like carrying lots of cash, so in store the card is convenient.

PRO:If I need to speak to a customer rep it is easy (direct phone line). 3 points to the dollar on AmEx, 1.25 points to the dollar on MasterCard. As a family we rack up points quickly, and convert them to fuel and Woolies cards I’ve had 2 non-authorised transactions in the past, but Westpac was quick to review and rectify.

Great card

Reviewed and recommended by Russ on 24 Jun 2016

We transferred our card from another lender and got a great balance transfer deal. The rewards program is awesome with 2 card options to maximise points. The interest rate is good and as long as you pay on time you have no issues. A decent payment and interest-free period gives you great control over your budget.

Good communication from the bank

Reviewed and not recommended by Clem on 21 Sep 2016

I’m happy with the way things work for me with this card. The Interest rate is good with days to pay, so I don’t have to pay the full amount each month.

The bank is good with communications and updates and statements on a regular basis.

The card is accepted at most places that I shop.

Love the rewards and service

Reviewed and recommended by Michelle on 04 Apr 2017

My hubby worked for Westpac, so we’re not paying fees. I love the rewards they offer, including vouchers and so much else to choose from.

Whenever I need help I ring the help desk and always get a prompt solution from a representative.

Cards are always replaced quickly if lost. Whenever we had fraudulent transactions they always rang to make sure everything was OK.

Good for tracking spending

Reviewed and recommended by Judy on 22 Sep 2016

I had very good customer service when my card was scammed. I was reimbursed very quickly, and new cards were issued within a couple of days. Westpac knew I was scammed before I knew! Very diligent!

I would certainly recommend this card from Westpac bank, and I couldn’t live without it as I use it for nearly all my transactions so that I can keep an account of my spending.

Travel insurance, plus points to swap for goods

Reviewed and recommended by Chris on 30 Nov 2016

The card is good, with a low interest rate and good perks like Altitude points and travel insurance. It’s good for travel insurance when you use the card for booking tickets to go overseas. Plus you get Altitude points to buy other stuff also, like toasters, iPads, computers, kitchenware, TVs and hi-fi equipment.

Show 32 more reviews

The card I save with

Reviewed and recommended by Glenys on 05 Jul 2016

I have a Westpac Earth Black MasterCard and I could not be happier with everything they have provided me. Immediately I pay a fee, but I think the benefits gained outweigh the fees. I also receive a number of enticing offers each year. A good card from a trusted bank, and one I would thoroughly recommend.

Great features but comes at a high price

Reviewed and recommended by Avinash on 27 Apr 2017

This credit card comes with some great handy features such as free travel insurance, extended warranty insurance and global lounge access through Priority Pass network.

The card also comes with complimentary SPG Gold membership, which is good for staying at Sheraton and Le Meridien hotels around the world.

The downside is high interest charges as well as a very high annual fee.

Pleased, but would like unlimited lounge access

Reviewed and not recommended by Ravi on 03 Jul 2016

This is a good card except for one thing: it does not have unlimited entry to lounges at airports unlike ANZ’s card in same category. It only allows 2 visits and spouses get charged. It would be great if both the main and additional cardholder had unlimited entry to airport lounges globally. If that was the case, this would be the most desired credit card in market.

Nice features but read the fine print

Reviewed and recommended by Jm.jazzy on 10 Oct 2013

Cool looking card offers great features but claiming them is difficult e.g. travel insurance needs minimum spend before you leave, per person. Card was suspended despite us telling them we were in US, as we shopped at Walmart. Required international $$$$$ phone call to fix. Exchange rate good. Interest rate high.

Generally very pleased with this card

Reviewed and recommended by veevee on 29 Aug 2013

If there are ever any problems, I just have to contact them, and the problem has been dealt with quickly. Also ease of Internet banking, and being able to keep check of my account, any time of day or night and they will contact me if any unusual transaction takes place that is not normal.

Value and convenience

Reviewed and recommended by Phillip McW on 22 Aug 2013

Very convenient and widely accepted both locally and overseas. Has a great rewards program with flexibility and the best range of products I have seen which represent great value. Very fast, efficient and friendly service and always willing to support and help with explanations and any questions or queries you have.

I get more reward points

Reviewed and recommended by Evelyn on 20 Sep 2016

I like this card because of the reward points it gives me and the AmEx card which gives me double points for every dollar I spend, and also because the points I accumulate don’t expire.

I also receive travel insurance if I pay for my trip using this card.

Premium package

Reviewed and recommended by Brenda on 30 Aug 2015

I pay no annual fee and receive the highest possible rate of reward points. Customer service has been impeccable every time I have used them. I enjoy the free travel insurance, concierge services, airport lounge admissions and borderlinx international shipping service. The card makes it easy to shop and travel anywhere I go.

Good card for big-spending Westpac loan customers

Reviewed and recommended by Amy on 29 Sep 2016

It’s a 'must-have’ card if you’ve got a Premier Loan package with Westpac, probably the most rewarding credit card available. When picking redemption, try to always get Myer or David Jones vouchers.

You get two cards on one account and complimentary insurance on virtually everything purchased through the card.

I don’t recommend it if you don’t have the loan package or are a low spender.

I trust Westpac

Reviewed and recommended by ADAM on 10 Sep 2013

Westpac are the only bank i give my full recommendation to. They will help you in every way possible to give you the right products and services. They match your situation to the right product every time and are completely open with fees and charges and ways to save money.

Good card for accruing points and getting rewarded

Reviewed and recommended by Jacquie on 28 Jul 2015

Westpac Altitude Black Credit Cards offer you dual credit cards on one easy to read monthly account statement. A MasterCard and an American Express card to help you earn Altitude points faster. With Altitude Rewards, you get rewarded for doing your everyday shopping throughout the year. These points can be easily converted into shopping gift vouchers, which is great at Christmas time. Furthermore, you have the peace of mind that you’re dealing with a trusted brand with great customer service.

Back in black

Reviewed and recommended by Julie on 25 Jun 2016

With our mortgage and classic checking/savings account at Westpac, this was the perfect card for my husband and I.

While accruing points for worthwhile gifts is no longer an easy thing, as we use the card for truly any and everything we can, including even the smallest purchase, we’ve got some significant gift cards for Myer, David Jones, Barbecues Galore and Woolworths over the years. And it’s just for buying what we’d buy anyway—a good thing.

We like the free travel insurance and the customer service is good—not great—but good. I trust Westpac and think this is overall a good card.

I redeem rewards points for gift cards

Reviewed and recommended by Diane on 10 Sep 2013

I can actually make money from this card. By paying the statement balance in full each each month, over the past 5 years I average about $1000 in redeemed gift cards to use where i like on what i like rather then utilising their product rewards.

Trustworthy card, great service

Reviewed and recommended by Cheryl on 16 Sep 2016

Excellent card with excellent attention from Westpac. They respond quickly to my travel needs and are also quite happy to help me with transactions I may dispute. The response team Is very polite and very happy to do whatever you need for the security and safety of the card. New cards arrive promptly.

Happy with this card

Reviewed and recommended by Black westpac card on 29 Aug 2013

I have been using Westpac for 15 yrs. Customer service is good. Rewards is excellent. Never had any frauds or misuse. Very satisfied customer. Any issues they call for feedback about experience with inquiry. Online banking is great with secured site. Just recently change into black card and done everything for me for all my direct debits with letters ready to be sent to corresponding institutions. Follow up calls if everything is okay with cards. Attached to my home loan with free annual fee. Saves me money.

A well-rounded travel and award-ready card.

Reviewed and recommended by Liz on 12 Dec 2016

With added benefits of travel insurance with overseas travel, the Westpac Black Altitude card is a standout. It provides a range of gift card options and a good variety of product awards, and a pair of complimentary airport lounge passes annually to use through Priority Pass. This card has it all for avid travellers and shoppers.

Very happy with this card

Reviewed and recommended by Mark Belkind on 18 Oct 2013

Using Altitude card for a long time. When contacted customer service is very helpful. On two occasions when security of the cart was bridged, Westpac acted really quickly in informing as and replacing card. I using this card almost for all payments and found it very convenient way in dialling in different financial maters.

Worth it for the rewards... maybe?

Reviewed and recommended by Susan on 05 Sep 2014

I use this card for the convenience in that it is linked to my home loan account. I find it very helpful in terms of the fact that I am easily able to book accommodation using points accrued. I also think the Black Card Helpline is an example of particularly good service. However, I am not impressed by the amount of fees I have to pay.

The rewards are fantasic

Reviewed and recommended by Daniel on 24 Aug 2016

Very competitive points and rewards system that earns me that little bit extra.

The fees could be lower (but all cards could have lower fees, really).

I have never had a problem with the card, and in the rare instances I need to check or ask something, the customer support from Westpac is very helpful and efficient.

Very good

Reviewed and recommended by Mel on 01 Oct 2014

I got this card as it was offered with my home loan, which it is linked to. It has a 45 day interest free period. You also earn points that can be redeemed with a good variety of goods and services.

Good rewards system

Reviewed and recommended by Jonno on 11 Dec 2016

This credit card has a great feature in that it allows you to also redeem cash back on purchases using the points that you have available on the card. The items available for purchase using the card are also unique and are quite compelling and make me use my card so I can gain points!

Pay it off on time and enjoy good rewards

Reviewed and recommended by Russ on 20 Sep 2016

This card offers very good rewards through your chosen frequent flyer miles program. The fee, although quite high ($395), is worth it if you are using the credit card regularly and getting good points for your spend.

Both an AmEx and a MasterCard are supplied, so you have both bases covered here.

Not sure what I would do without it

Reviewed and recommended by Tony P on 11 Aug 2013

The new Black card replaced my old Westpac card which personally has no advantage to me. The yearly fee is high, but as my account is paid each month by direct debit I do not pay any interest. The card is very useful and is accepted almost everywhere around the world. I’m not sure what I would do without it.

I have received a large number of rewards

Reviewed and recommended by Samantha on 07 Jan 2017

I love this card! The points for purchases are great and I can receive either rewards or money off my next bill.

I can use this card everywhere without excess fees and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s truly one of the best cards I’ve ever had.

Westpac is friendly and helpful. I especially like being able to deposit cash or cheques through ATM’s.

Awful communication and incompetent staff

Reviewed and not recommended by Sean on 27 Jun 2017

Eventually I was told in writing that they would approve my application if I provided them with payslips and bank details, which I did, after which I heard nothing.

Six weeks later, I called them back to find out why I hadn’t been provided with my card yet, and I was bounced around a Filipino call centre for over an hour, before being told that because I’d disclosed that I own 16% of my employer that I was be deemed to be self-employed. This meant that I was not an employee, which meant that the information I provided was false, which meant that my card application was denied. Unbelievable.

I’m young (38) and I have already made $6m from a standing start, which means that I’m on my way to becoming a very rich old man. This experience has ensured that I will never bank with Westpac ever again.

Love the rewards

Reviewed and recommended by Sandra on 29 Oct 2014

Rewards are good, but the annual fee of $100 isn’t. I have both the MasterCard and the AmEx which gives me another option if AmEx isn’t accepted. The interest rates aren’t that great, but as I pay it off monthly that doesn’t worry me. The reason I got this card is mainly for rewards.

This card gives me wings

Reviewed and recommended by Kerryanne Kelly on 21 Jul 2015

These cards have attitude. They allow me to use them for every purchase everywhere so my points can fly me to anywhere. I don’t have an annual fee while it’s connected to my mortgage and it has complimentary travel insurance.

It should offer more points though because not all retailers accept AmEx.

Annual fee is extremely high

Reviewed and recommended by Sam on 22 Feb 2015

I think the cards are good looking and having a MasterCard with American Express is a great idea as many businesses do not accept AmEx. Rewards look great too. The annual fee, however, is an absolute rip off in my opinion. I think Westpac thinks they are AmEx Centurion or Visa Infinite, but they are not!

Saved on balance transfer, earned lots of rewards

Reviewed and recommended by Huan Ling Winnie on 29 Apr 2017

I saved lots of money by using the 0% balance transfer offer. I transferred another bank credit card balance to my Westpac black card.

I also earned lots of rewards points by using the card to pay bills and for shopping.

I got the card as part of my home loan package, so I don’t have to pay an annual fee of $395 again.

Banking with the best

Reviewed and recommended by Jules on 05 Sep 2014

For customer service and a quality brand with a great reputation who you trust completely, Westpac is where to bank. Whenever I need to call, whether for my mortgage, credit card or something miscellaneous, the staff is responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. I feel looked after with Westpac and confident about who’s handling my money! And with everything handled in Australia, I like knowing that Westpac is helping many Australians and helping build a better Australia.

Generally a good card

Reviewed and recommended by Oscar on 29 Oct 2014

This is a good and easy card to use. The rewards are quite good and you get extra points if you use their Bonus Partners or the American Express. The only problem is that a lot of merchants don’t except the AmEx or charge extra for it. The points never run out so can be used indefinitely, which is good, and there are a lot of different options for cashing out such as products, gift vouchers, and flights. The statement is straightforward and easy to understand.

Just like any other card, but with bells

Reviewed and recommended by Brian on 02 Aug 2013

I mainly use a credit card because of the convenience. The points are handy for clothing store gift cards. Statements are easy to read online. Westpac security is good and calls answered asap. The people at my branch are very helpful even when standing in line at the counter. Also very friendly without being over the top.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed about credit cards are the reviewer's alone, and do not reflect the views of Credit Card Compare or the credit card issuer. Reviews have not been approved or otherwise endorsed by Credit Card Compare.

Disclaimer: Does not include taxes, fees, or charges. Accurate as of 25th January 2016.

Rewards program basics

First purchase bonus‌

80,000 points

Reward points expiry‌

Never as long as you keep your account active

Rewards program‌

Altitude Rewards or Qantas Frequent Flyer

Spend required for bonus points‌

$5,000 in 90 days

Earning points with this card

Frequent flyer points‌

0.625 pts per $1 spent

Overseas earn rate‌

1.25 pts per $1 spent

Points cap per month‌

Unlimited

Points cap per year‌

Unlimited

Points earned on ATO payments‌

N/A

Reward points‌

1.25 pts per $1 spent

Additional benefits

Airport lounge access‌

Yes

Complimentary flight voucher‌

No

Concierge service‌

Yes

Benefits

This card comes with benefits worth an estimated $1,391

Shopping

Estimated value

Extended warranty

Valuation based on the assumption of making a $250 claim once every 5 years. There is no retail market for all-encompassing extended warranty insurance covering more than one item, so no premium saving.

$50

Guaranteed pricing / price protection insurance

Valuation based on the assumption of making a $100 claim once every 10 years. Extensive conditions apply. There is no retail market for this type of insurance, so no premium saving.

$10

Purchase protection

Valuation based on the assumption of making a $200 claim once every 5 years. There is no retail market for this type of insurance, so no premium saving.

$40

Travel

Interstate flight inconvenience insurance

Valuation based on similar domestic travel insurance policies available online that include interstate flight inconvenience.

$290

Overseas travel insurance

Valuation based on similar annual travel insurance policies available online for trips of up to 60 days.

$801

Rental vehicle excess cover (separate from travel insurance)

Valuation based on similar rental vehicle excess insurance policies available online.

$32

Transit accident insurance

Valuation based on similar global transit accident insurance policies available online.

$150

Waived Qantas Frequent Flyer joining fee

Valuation based on $89.50 Qantas Frequent Flyer joining fee spread over 5 years. Note that this benefit does not apply if cardholder chooses Altitude Rewards rather than Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

$18

Total estimated value

$1,391

Annual fee

$250

Net customer value

$1,141

Disclaimer: Details of who, what, and where coverage applies to, as well as its duration and any coverage limitations will be listed in the credit card insurance product disclosure statement (PDS) on the card issuer's website. The names/labels of complimentary insurance products may differ from one issuer to another. Terms and conditions apply. Always check the insurance PDS when considering a financial product. Accurate as of 31st October 2015.

Minimum criteria for this card

What you need before applying

Be over 18 years old

You are a resident or citizen of Australia

Earn a regular income of more than $75,000 per year

Have a good credit history

You have your personal details ready to complete the online application

Disclaimer: The minimum criteria pointers are intended only to be a guide. Your application may still be rejected by the bank even if you can answer 'Yes' to all the minimum criteria. The final decision regarding your application is up to the bank.